🪙 About the Coin

• Denomination: 2 Shillings (Florin)

• Year: 1963

• Obverse: Portrait of a young Queen Elizabeth II, designed by Mary Gillick

• Reverse: Tudor rose in the center, flanked by a thistle, shamrock, and leek — symbols of the four nations of the UK. Inscription: “FID DEF TWO SHILLINGS 1963”

• Material: Cupro-nickel (introduced in 1947, replacing silver)

• Diameter: 28.5 mm

• Weight: 11.31 g

• Edge: Milled

🏛 Historical Context

The florin, originally introduced in 1849 as a step toward decimalisation, became the standard 2 shillings coin and remained in circulation until 1993. The 1963 issue was among the last before decimal currency was officially introduced in 1971.

In 1963, Britain was navigating post-war recovery and rapid cultural change. The coin itself reflects the unity of the UK through its heraldic design — a nod to tradition during a time of transition.

💡 Collecting Insights

• Pre-Decimal Legacy: This coin serves as a tangible link to the pre-decimal era of British currency.

• Symbolic Design: The use of national floral emblems symbolizes unity — a recurring theme in mid-century British coinage.

• Common Yet Iconic: While not rare, coins like this are highly collectible for their historical and aesthetic appeal.

This florin from 1963 may have quietly passed through countless hands, but its survival into the present day — especially as part of a global coin lot — gives it new meaning in your collection. A small, everyday artifact with roots in an era of transformation.